1
as in misleading
tending or having power to deceive
in his deceptive answer about the vehicle's history, the salesman said that the used car had never been hit by another car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fraudulent
given to or marked by cheating and deception
a mail-order firm indicted for deceptive business practices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deceptive
In fact, the instantly-recognizable print is often considered a neutral by fashion people for its deceptive wearability.
—
Jordan Julian, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
As with the deceptive home robot demos, there is a difference between the ideal version of a task and the messy reality of putting humanoids to work in commercial settings.
—James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The companies must also comply with reporting requirements, reform their practices, and refrain from any further unfair or deceptive marketing or sale of diesel vehicles, including misrepresentations regarding emissions and compliance, Kaul said.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Its key provisions target specific deceptive tactics businesses use, broken down into several sections.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deceptive
Jordan Julian, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
As with the deceptive home robot demos, there is a difference between the ideal version of a task and the messy reality of putting humanoids to work in commercial settings.
—James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
The companies must also comply with reporting requirements, reform their practices, and refrain from any further unfair or deceptive marketing or sale of diesel vehicles, including misrepresentations regarding emissions and compliance, Kaul said.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Its key provisions target specific deceptive tactics businesses use, broken down into several sections.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deceptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceptive
Adjective
-
Experts immediately pointed out that Hassett had used a misleading method known as a cubic fit to make the mortality data appear less frightening.—
Rogé Karma,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
-
For its misleading omissions, the Times story deserves a flunking grade.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Such fraudulent science can slow medical progress and delay vital treatment, The Scientist reported, especially when, as in this case, journals rarely took steps to correct the record.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The illegality generated more than $1 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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The month prior, she was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using marijuana while owning a firearm and making false statements about drug use, per the newspaper.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Place your propane tank in a mostly shady location a few feet from your house.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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Next comes the fun of trying to reform the civil service with shady Blaine fighting them at every turn.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Multiple points of validation will help combat dishonest applicants, DEED Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe told lawmakers at the time.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
6 Jan. 2026
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Thai Diner Yes, Thai Diner is technically in NoLita, but leaving it out would feel even more dishonest.—
Molly Barstein,
Vogue,
18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Willms plans to call the Bureau of Land Management — the agency that oversees these parcels of federal land — to report the crooked stake.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Begin by removing any suckers at the base of the tree, side shoots on the trunk, crossing or crooked branches, dead or damaged branches, those that are growing inward, and crowded branches.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceptive. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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